Architects in Richmond Upon Thames

If you are seeking residential architects in Richmond, we’d be delighted to assist. Architecture for London is an RIBA Chartered Practice, and we have completed several projects in the borough, including at Burlington Avenue and also in the “Pagoda Triangle” character area.

Discover Architecture for London’s projects. If you are seeking Richmond architects and would like to discuss your project, please contact us.

Richmond architects: stone and timber finishes at our Burlington Avenue project near Kew Gardens

Our architectural projects in Richmond Upon Thames

Our Burlington Avenue house extension transformed a property on a relatively uniform street of Edwardian semi-detached homes. The property is located in the ‘Burlington Avenue and West Park Road’ conservation area.

Architects in Richmond: Edwardian front facade at Burlington Gardens.

The extension and refurbishment drastically improved the energy efficiency of the house. It also enhanced the connection to the garden through a thoughtfully designed rear extension. Single glazing was replaced with triple-glazed units, internal and external wall insulation was also installed, and airtightness was improved throughout.

We have completed a further project in the borough in the “Pagoda Triangle” character area in the Kew Ward. This refurbishment and extension transforms a period house in a street of decorative two-storey Victorian terrace houses. The typology is red brick with stucco dressings. Our intervention reorganised the home, providing better circulation routes through the rear reception room and into a modern rear extension.

Richmond architects: our Burlington Gardens house extension and refurbishment

The ground levels were lowered in the extension to maximise the ceiling height. The brick finishes were left exposed internally to add material texture to the home.

Planning permission for refurbishments and new build homes in Richmond

Richmond Upon Thames has a rich history of royal architecture, and it is well known for its vast parkland landscape. This abundance of green open spaces covers more than 50% of the borough. Located in southwest London, the borough has notable landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace, Richmond Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Richmond enjoys a longer stretch of the River Thames than any other borough, with 10 miles in total.

Richmond’s planning policy documentation highlights the importance of conserving and enhancing the borough’s unique built character. Local policy also identifies the crucial role played by the built environment in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of residents.

Planning permission is likely to be required for any substantial refurbishment, extension, demolition or building a new home in Richmond. Any form of alteration to a listed building will also require listed building consent. All consents can be applied for on the UK planning portal website.

Our Burlington Gardens house extension and refurbishment in Richmond

Where buildings are identified as being of townscape merit, the local authority encourages owners of these buildings to consider alterations and replacements more carefully. The removal of original features may harm the quality of the building and also detract from the character of the surrounding area. Typically, these buildings were built before 1800, are found within a conservation area and have distinct craftsmanship and historic associations. Buildings of townscape merit can include homes, churches, shops and cottages.

Architects in Richmond: kitchen extension

Richmond architects for conservation areas

Richmond Upon Thames has 85 conservation areas, each with unique buildings that reflect the social and cultural history of the borough. Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest. Proposals for extensions and alterations in these areas will be assessed under Part 12 of the national policy framework. This framework aims to enhance the historic or architectural character of a conservation area.

Each conservation area has an area appraisal, which describes the special character of an area and highlights important elements such as materials, detailing, gaps between buildings and the relationship between the buildings and their content. Consent is usually needed for the demolition of buildings, walls and structures in a conservation area. Works to trees of a certain size in a conservation area will also require consent.

The local authority tracks buildings at risk in Richmond. There are ten heritage buildings currently noted in need of restoration due to their poor condition.

Stone and Tadelakt bathroom in our newly completed Richmond house extension

Architects in Richmond: listed buildings

There are 831 listed buildings in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames. These structures are protected in their entirety, and they cannot be demolished or altered without listed building consent. Consent may even be required for painting or repainting parts of a listed building if it would affect the special character of the building. If listed building consent is granted, conditions are likely be put in place relating to the work and materials; these conditions will need to be discharged by your architect or designer.

Edwardian staircase refurbishment, Richmond

Period architecture, including many Victorian, Georgian, and Queen Anne buildings give the built environment in Richmond historic interest. Strawberry Hill House and Garden stands as an exemplar piece of Georgian Gothic architecture. The Regency architecture displayed across the town and wider borough reflects the longstanding royal links to the area. Amongst its many attractions are Twickenham Stadium, a globally significant rugby venue, and numerous conservation areas rich in social and cultural heritage.

The Richmond Upon Thames local authority is seeking to re-envision the town centre to enhance civic pride and improve the existing public spaces. These plans aim to make the area more welcoming, both for residents and visitors seeking a peaceful escape from central London.

Discover Architecture for London’s projects. If you are seeking architects in Richmond and would like to discuss your project, please contact us.